Lost in the Memory Palace

Although we have a lot to learn about how our brains process and store memories, we do know that memory is malleable.  The brain is a muscle that can be trained.  Acronyms and mnemonic devices are tools to improve memory, but new research supports additional methods.  

A recent study published in Neuron supports a memory technique developed by the ancient Greeks, known as the method of loci.  The method of loci helps improve memory by associating each item with a vivid image in a familiar location.  Researchers assert that this technique exploits something our brains already do well—recalling images in particular locations.  These findings show that anyone can use this technique to improve his memory and that the effects are long lasting.  Researchers found that after training, brain scans of individuals actually changed. 

As a healthcare marketer, we are constantly trying to develop new ways to build positive connections with our brands.  Brand building is about building long-term memories about a brand.  While this task is not always easy, this research helps us better understand how there are many ways that this might happen

There are people who can quickly memorize lists of thousands of numbers, the order of all the cards in a deck (or ten!), and much more. Science writer Joshua Foer describes the technique -- called the memory palace -- and shows off its most remarkable feature: anyone can learn how to use it, including him.

"Ancient Technique Can Dramatically Improve Memory Research Suggests" https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/mar/08/ancient-technique-can-dramatically-improve-memory-research-suggests-memory-palace